Allen Frasier, founder and owner of Allstar Refinishing and Collision, has a message—really a plea—for all area drivers: “Pay attention on the road, and use your turn signals!!”

There has been talk, and even legislation about texting and driving, and hardly a day goes by that we don’t pass someone who is handling at least one phone while barreling down the street, through school zones and past red lights. And that does need to stop.

But just as important, Allen points out, is to let others know when you’re turning or changing lanes. “There’s so much traffic out here now,” he says, “that it’s impossible to guess where any one vehicle is going without some help. If you have to change lanes, don’t just cut someone off—turn your turn signal on a block before you turn so other drivers will know where you’re headed. Do that, and they might even be courteous enough to give you room to change lanes!”

Traffic statistics show an increase in the number of wrecks, too many involving fatalities, probably all of which could be prevented. Midland and Odessa each have had approximately 25 traffic deaths already this year, and the year is only about half over.

As the longtime owner of one of the most relied-upon body shops in town, Allen sees the results of bad driving on a daily basis. He sees the costs in repairs, lost work and family time and in personal injuries with each vehicle that is towed into his shop. Often, a simple click of a turn signal or a delay in answering a text could have saved all that expense, injury and aggravation.

Allen drives the streets himself, and, like all of us, has his share of near-misses just about every day. “We’re all excited about the great economy,” he notes, “but let’s slow down, be courteous, and let everyone enjoy it.”

So please, while Allen appreciates customers, make your next visit about repainting an old car or something less traumatic than a wreck. Put down the phone, calm down, use your blinker and remember that you’re not the only one on the road!

Allstar Refinishing and Collision’s Collision and Express Rent-A-Car Center is located at 4600 West Wall. The phone number is 683-2761 and the web address is www.allstarmidland.com.